Today I was featured in the New York Times. It is a great article by Stephanie Rosenbloom called “A Clip-and-Save Renaissance“.

Degree is giving a $1 coupon

http://www.degreewomen.com/Women/Fine-Fragrance-Collection.aspx

Lever $1 coupon

http://www.lever2000.com/

$3 in Dove Coupons

http://content.dove.us/dimensions/coupons.aspx

$3 in Pledge Coupons

http://www.pledge.com/savings/2009-1/

$6 in Coupons from Eat Better America: Yoplait, Wheaties etc.

http://www.eatbetteramerica.com/coupons/?WT.dcsvid=MzQ4NjY4ODU2NQS2&WT.mc_id=Newsletter_EBA_042909

$7 coupon for Crest White Strips

http://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/en_US/jsp/EDS_Page.jsp?pageID=SCSCL&edstempseg=BB&utm_source=BB&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=May09Newsletter

I recently heard from Tom Carney, he does the family preparation for shopping. Here’s what Tom told me. He created a Spreadsheet on Microsoft Excel. He listed all the products his family uses. Next, he checks the stores flyers and decides on the best place to shop. He checks off the sale items that match his family’s favorites.

He found this system very time saving. He has the one master list, makes his choices by the sales and coupon offerings, and prints it off. Each week his purchases change to take advantage of all the great deals.

He never has to make another list. What a time saver, and what an easy way to prepare for your weekly shopping. He does adjust the list on occasion to allow for change in preferences. One last mention from Tom, he also goes to other stores, discount drug chains etc. to take advantage of their specials.

In 1973 when I discovered the world of coupons and refunds, nothing was automated. Coupons were added up by the cashier, and I was handed the cash. I was amazed, when stores could deduct the coupons via the register. What a time saver.

Today, Single Check Rebates have become such time savers. Stores that we are all familiar with: Rite Aid, Walgreen and Eckerds have initiated these programs. For example for the month of May, Rite has $910 in various refunds and rebates. These range from toothpaste, tissues, and cleaning products to small appliances and other assorted merchandise sold in the store.

The concept is simple, sign up online (even I can and have done so), enter all register receipts for the month and at the end of May hit the submit button and believe it or no, your refund check is in the mail. I have gotten upwards of $40 on an occasion. No computer access, no problem, you can submit all your receipts by mail and receive the same benefits.

All the rebates are listed online or in a booklet distributed as you enter the store. Get those cash savings started, and let me know how well you’re doing.

Coupon shopping is a big money saver especially in today’s economy. I remember once shopping in Rochester, NY where the store actually had a ‘no coupon line’. That’s how much coupon shopping meant to those upstate New Yorkers. So, it’s not unusual to find a fist full of coupons at the checkout.

But for some, coupons can be embarrassing. Somehow saving 50% or more on my groceries, and the thought of not using coupons would never enter my mind. But for some coupon use can be embarrassing. I do a couple of things that may aid the shy shopping. I hope these work for you. They are desired to hasten checkout, to aid the cashier, and customers waiting in line.

First, I have all the coupons ready, and make sure they exactly match my purchase. Next, I take a quick look at the person in back of me on line, if I have coupons for some of their products, I share. That always makes a happy shopper, and eases the annoyance my batch of coupons might present. And last, I help pack my groceries to reduce the wait for those in back of me. A little courtesy goes a long way.

So put on a big smile, stack up those coupons and head for the supermarket and savings.

I always have more coupons than I can use. Sharing and helping others is a great way to maximize coupon use. Here’s my system.

Discount drug chains generally offer trail sizes. As a matter of fact my local CVS has ½ an aisle devoted to these small packages. It’s a real bonus. Many coupons do not list a specific size of the product. I use my coupons against these $.99 brands. In the case of the $1 coupons, the items are free. My supermarket that doubles coupon value displays trial sizes too, particularly in the health and beauty aid section. With a $.50 or $.75 coupon doubled, I can walk away with quite a lot of free or nearly free stuff. I stock up as much as possible and save them for future use

When my sons participate in the Midnight Run, the distribution of blankets, sandwiches and toiletries to the needy, I can supply most of the toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, razors, shaving crème, shampoo and bandages for the event.

I also donate my extra deals to the local Senior center. I not only supply the products, but I drop off extra coupons to share. You can start an exchange at your local center and encourage the group to bring in their unused coupons too. It’s a engaging activity and money-saving for those on a limited budget.

Helping others this way is a benefit of being a coupon person. I feel I’m sharing a bit of my savings with others and their appreciation is heartfelt. If you have an opportunity to help, give it a shot.

Just recently I did a shopping in Pittsburgh and bought $200 worth of the groceries for only $20! See me in action: Grocery Coupon Shopping.

I have wonderful memories of Pittsburgh. About 18 years ago when our sons were still young they often traveled with us. I was doing a shopping trip for a local Pittsburgh station, and they offered us tickets to a baseball game at Three River Stadium. Two of our sons, Mark and Michael are big sport fans, so we thought this was a great perk for them. As it turned out, the day was perfect, blue skies, comfortable temperatures and the Pittsburgh team was giving out free back packs. What could be better.

As we sat through the game, I admired the view. It was spectacular. I don’t actually remember who won or lost, but imprinted in my memory is a delightful day for all of us at Three River Stadium. Sue